[Hankie]

This thread is titled "GolfTec Swing Analysis" or "How I Learned That I Rock ... In A Bad Way"

Allow me to start this stream of consciousness with a hearty thank you. Thank you THP for the Holiday Giveaway, thank you GolfTec for supporting our community of turf destroyers.



I was thrilled to get the chance to have a swing analysis done by Tony C. at the Golfsmith temple here in Orlando. I arrived Friday morning at 9:30, and decided I knew everything I was about to hear even before I reached out my hand to open the door. GolfTec is located center stage here, past the putting green and directly adjacent to the launch bays I have come to know so well.

Being the amateur golfer that I am, it was clear to me that he was going to do the old "Let's start with your grip" ... or so I thought. I had on my shoes, comfortable pants, glove in the back pocket, and 6 iron in hand. Like most hackers, I have an outside to in swing so I was iron-clad positive that I must be coming in too steep on the ball with an open face ... or so I thought.

Tony introduced himself, fitted me with the shoulder straps and belt, and asked some fairly simple questions. Handicap, swing speed, spin rates, etc, etc. Then he asked me what I am trying to accomplish. This was easy, I had been thinking about it a lot lately. My answer was simply, "I want to play boring golf. Boring drives in the fairway, boring wedges on the green, and boring putts (no more than 2) each hole." I say that because some of you that have played with me know, my game is exciting and suspenseful! Where will the drive go? Can he reach the green in regulation? How will he line up his third put? Anything BUT boring and predictable.

"Stand here, and take some swings", Tony says. I cozy up to the line, admiring myself on the television screen, and proceed to punish the well worn Callaway practice balls. After 10 or 12 whacks, he declares "That's good." and has me take a look at the monitor. There on the monitor, he is queuing up one of my recorded masterpieces for review. I take a look at myself, and suddenly feel a little queasy. "Do I really rock back and forth like that?" ... apparently I move my hips so much, I could just as well be doing the mambo. It was then that Tony asked me to sit down while he explains the technology and the swings he recorded. And this is where it all gets better ...

We talked about the 100's of pros they have recorded, the technology to measure spine angle, hip bend, shoulder turn, hand angle, knee flex, waist turns ... and this is the good part ... he isn't just jabbering about ... it's all right there in flatscreen glory.



Apparently, I do a great job of keeping my head still and centered over the ball. Heck, my setup is pretty darn good too. An immediate issue Tony saw was not my weight transfer, but rather my 4-5 inch sway from left to right in the backswing, and then back the other way on downswing. Don't pay attention to the bent elbow or the fact that I look nothing like Sir Nick (he's the fellow with a gallery behind him on the left). "Try this" he says, and proceeds to move a chair against my right leg. "Now swing," Tony insisted.



The video didn't lie, one simple change made a huge difference.

Next we went into why I am deadly (that's right deadly) from 75 yards, but can't hit the driver lately. It's all about my arms. No way, I swing on plane. Always have, always will! "Your plane is ok until you get to the top of your swing." Tony proclaims. At this point, I believe anything he says ... he has the video to back it up after all.



I actually am on plane until the top ... then there is this lifting motion right as my hips turn. This creates an offset of the original plane that my mind tries to compensate for by swinging the club ... you guessed it ... outside to in. Wow. Ok. With that revelation, I was sold. This technology works. Hell, he didn't even try to sell me anything and I'm ready to book some lessons. We reviewed posture, but I'll spare you the details and photos. We reviewed shoulder turn, again with video and photos. We reviewed every darn part of my swing. I have lots of room for improvement, but I'm also doing some things really well. I had a great time.

My session lasted about 1 and a half hours. I have a website that I can refer to at any time. I have 60 still images to dissect, 3 videos to watch, and Tony is narrating during each photo and video just in case my head was spinning from the information overload. I was a bit skeptical about lessons inside, and I was skeptical that 1.5 hours would really make a difference. I went into GolfTec with an idea, and left there with knowledge. It's been 3 days since my analysis and some of the starry eyed wonder has worn off, but I know this review still reads like a love letter. If you have the opportunity ... go do this. If you play anything like me (low 90s and 5 lost balls a game) it is worth the time.

Thanks again to THP for the opportunity, and to GolfTec for the experience.

[Unonounaple]

Really awesome write-up. Sounds like a great holiday win for you. Impressive stuff from GolfTec.


Steel Tappin'

[Pdarasenko]

Nervous that was a really good read, I'm glad you have some things to work on over the winter. Keep it up!!

[ignonsoli]

So glad you took advantage of that THP prize. It's probably the best thing you could have won for your game! Best wishes on your future lessons. It will change everything and make the game far more enjoyable. I hope you will continue to share what you learn as it is very informational for the rest of us.

[bebeacc]

Very good write up there Nervous, awesome to see the shcnge in the first sset of pictures. Did you end up actually signing up for lessons? I know you said he did not try to sell you and you are ready to sign up. If you do take lessons please let us know how that goes. Good luck.

[mikeyyuiok]

I know it won't be the same 90 minute session, but here is a link for a free 30 min session from Charles Schwab (similar to last year's Johnny Walker promotion)

[drmarshallusa]

Thanks for sharing that Nervous...pretty awesome prize, and great follow up writing for us to read.

[w4WBthjv]

good write up, that may turn out to be the best of the holiday prizes!

[Cyncceply]

Nice job summarizing your analysis, Nervous! Sounds like a very educational experience for you.

[bypeTeenehalT]

nice summary of everything Nervous. Every time I read something like this it makes me wish there was a GolfTec nearby

[oplapofffe]

Good write-up Nervous, you're making me want to go get this done! It sounds like a really great experience!

[SeftyJokipl]

Great write-up nervous! Thanks for sharing.

[w4HPpbSW]

I know it won't be the same 90 minute session, but here is a link for a free 30 min session from Charles Schwab (similar to last year's Johnny Walker promotion)

ddxu, thanks for the link, I just signed up for a session on Thursday. I'm a bit excited and scared all at the same time to see my swing on video.

[LxtdK9i4]

Do all GolfTecs spend this much time with their swing analysis or was this because you won it from THP? Very interested in going in for this. Just looked and theres one about 30mins from me here in Jersey.

[isogeople]

You should have been a writer. Great read.

[CarrieSexy]

Glad you learned so much Nervous, going to Golftec was the best thing I could have done for my game.

NJRob, while I'm sure you aren't gaurunteed to go over the time you purchased. When I went in for my 30 minute swing eval, I ended up staying for an hour.

[mikeydesignzinc]

Awesome read Nervous! wonderful prize you won, good luck with the swing.

[KhJOHbTM]

That is awesome Nervous! Its a world of difference once you see yourself on the camera.

[fount_pirat]

I like the pics showing your swing and the pro swing. The first pic almost looked like your were trying some type of stack & tilt version? You looked much better in the bottom set of pics with a good solid weight transfer. Good stuff Nervous and looking forward to your progress!

[masterboyz]

Great write up! Thanks for sharing your experience.